Wikipedia talk:Wikipedia Signpost/2018-07-31/Essay

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Love me a quality WP:HTD essay in the morning.--Catlemur (talk) 09:36, 1 August 2018 (UTC)[reply]

I don't think there's any possibly involved in the statement that WP is bigger than Jimmy Wales. Carrite (talk) 13:27, 1 August 2018 (UTC)[reply]

...and in a week or two...no, wait, that’s a month or six now, with the Signpost on life support as it is...there’l be the other sort of essay, the one complaining that there aren’t enough writers. Phaughh. Qwirkle (talk) 14:50, 1 August 2018 (UTC)[reply]

agree w/ Qwirkle--Ozzie10aaaa (talk) 18:44, 1 August 2018 (UTC)[reply]

It would misunderstand this essay to take the "you" as a generic you. Obviously, Wikipedia depends on the volunteer contributions of the people that use it; in that sense, Wikipedia does need "you" (the readers of Wikipedia in general). On the other hand, this essay claims that Wikipedia does not need you specifically. I can't speak on behalf of the author, but my interpretation is that the essay is a sarcastic quip at editors who falsely threaten to "retire" or quit editing as a means of getting what they want, or editors who think their contributions are so valuable that they can't be blocked for behavior. Mz7 (talk) 10:49, 2 August 2018 (UTC)[reply]

That message could as easily be conveyed as “Wiki needs you, but check your baggage at the door”; this essay can have other implications. Qwirkle (talk) 17:44, 3 August 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia may be the only nonprofit, volunteer-run organization I know that publishes and re-publishes essays saying that those volunteers are not needed. Yes, you are replaceable and that goes for everybody. I contribute very little as I don't have the time and don't miss contributing. But that is not what Wikipedia should be telling people in the Signpost. Figureofnine (talk • contribs) 19:28, 5 August 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Yeah, I agree with the sentiment of bringing humility to one's contributions, but when I think about other editors, I'm filled with the idea that Wikipedia does need them. Rachel Helps (BYU) (talk) 17:44, 8 August 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Ha! Well put. Avg W (talk) 20:16, 6 August 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Perhaps you hadn't noticed, Figureofnine, The Signpost is not Wikipedia. All it does is share the same space. Start your own newspaper? But just don't include any comic relief... Kudpung กุดผึ้ง (talk) 05:52, 7 August 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Hmmm...how much are you paying Wiki for the use of the server? For the ads on everyone’s watchlist? For the exclusivity? Really, when you think about it, there might be some anti-trust violation here...perhaps we should make sure Wikipediocracy also gets a link on the watchlist? Qwirkle (talk) 06:04, 7 August 2018 (UTC)[reply]

I didn't find this essay to be comical. Condescending, yes. Comical, no. Figureofnine (talk • contribs) 13:32, 7 August 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Oh, well. At least the magazine is free and we work here for nothing to keep you informed and entertained. I see you all have absolutely no sense of humour whatsoever. What it must be like to share an office with you guys in RL. Yes, perhaps you're best off hanging out on the Wikipedia hate sites. Probably more fun, n'est-ce pas?Kudpung กุดผึ้ง (talk) 13:41, 7 August 2018 (UTC)[reply]

I didn't like the essay. Don't take it personally. Maybe you're the one who needs a break? Figureofnine (talk • contribs) 17:03, 7 August 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Keep those essays coming and I am sure they will.--Catlemur (talk) 15:41, 7 August 2018 (UTC)[reply]